"A process is a specific ordering of work
activities across time and place, with a beginning, and end, and clearly
identified inputs and outputs: a structure for action."3

This definition is easy to apply in the context
of the work activities and tasks within a single department or functional
group.2
If the employees of different functional groups lack a common purpose and
direction, each one will inevitably work at cross-purpose with the others.

Business processes must not only
incorporate timely company information – for improved
customer value creation,
customer relationship management,
innovation,
supply chain management, and beyond,
they must also be kept up-to-date with fast-changing business needs.
E-business facilitating these processes is the way most business soon will
be transacted. Whether or not you ever plan to sell products or services
over the Web, your most important customer or supplier may one day insist
upon using Web for all transactions...
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